Fastening device for an actuator and a housing, in particular for a motor vehicle

ABSTRACT

The invention proposes a device for attaching an actuator ( 2 ) to a housing ( 4 ), in particular for an automotive vehicle, the actuator being provided for driving a movable equipment ( 41 ) disposed within the housing. The device comprises attaching means for attaching the actuator on the housing. The mounting means comprise two conjugated connection flanges ( 20, 40 ), respectively mounted on a connexion face ( 28 ) of the actuator ( 28 ) and on a connection face ( 48 ) of the housing. The connexion flanges are adapted to be assembled according to a male/female type connection at the outside of the housing.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/654,356, filed on Jan. 17, 2007, which claims priority to FrenchApplication No. 06 00479, filed on Jan. 18, 2006, the advantages anddisclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention relates to a fastening device for a housing and anactuator, in particular for a motor vehicle.

The actuator is used to control a movable member mounted inside thehousing, e.g., a damper for an air conditioning and/or heating device(HVAC).

The actuator is generally equipped with a drive shaft that drives themovable member in rotation, after the actuator has been fastened ontothe housing.

The fastening device conventionally comprises fastening means for makingthe actuator integral with a wall of the housing.

In known embodiments, the fastening means are of the bayonet type. Suchfastening means include a connecting flange provided on the actuator anda through-opening made in the wall of the housing. The connecting flangeof the actuator is sized to be inserted into the through-opening of thehousing. At its free end, the connecting flange of the actuator isequipped with holding pins ensuring that the connecting flange is heldaxially inside the opening. The holding pins are guided in groovesprovided on the interior wall of the through-opening, during insertionof the connecting flange into the through-opening. The actuator is thusfastened to the housing by bringing the flange opposite thethrough-opening and by then rotating the actuator until the studs passthrough the opening in order to press against the interior wall of thehousing.

Fastening means such as this are described in the patent GB 23 39 715,wherein an actuator is fastened onto a housing containing a movablemember of the vehicle headlight type. In this document, the actuatorensures the height adjustment of the headlights.

The above-mentioned fastening means are also used in the U.S. Pat. No.4,768,545 for fastening an actuator onto a housing containing a movablemember of the air intake valve type for an air conditioning device. Inthis case, the actuator makes it possible to shift the air intake valvebetween several positions, in particular between a position enabling airintake and a position prohibiting air intake.

However, the use of the through-opening in a housing controlled by anactuator can present numerous disadvantages.

Thus, in applications where the internal volume of the housing is thelocation of an airflow, e.g., in applications pertaining to heating andair conditioning devices, it is necessary for the through-opening to beperfectly closed and sealed in order to prevent air from leaking to theexterior. To accomplish this, the actuator must be equipped with sealingelements. Such being the case, the constraints of designing, producingand integrating the actuator complicate the installation of such sealingelements.

Furthermore, in embodiments wherein the actuator does not directly drivethe movable member but is equipped with a lever that provides indirectdrive, the lever not only interferes with the connecting flange of theactuator but also with the through-opening. In order to limit theseinterferences, accommodations are usually provided. However, theseaccommodations are particularly cumbersome and complicate molding of thehousings. Moreover, they are not applicable to all vehicle heating andair conditioning devices.

The opening also has the disadvantage of creating significant bulk inthe interior volume of the housing, which can impede the achievement ofcertain performance levels, in particular with respect to applicationsfor vehicle heating and air conditioning devices (HVAC), wherein themovable member consists of a damper. In these applications, the presenceof the through-opening therefore constitutes a constraint with regard tothe location of components or shapes inside the housing, e.g., such asthe location of a radiator, the location of mechanical end-of-travelstops for the damper inside the housing, or else the location of aflange for rotatably guiding the two ends of the damper inside thehousing. The volume of the through-opening also limits the length of thelateral bearing surfaces of the damper, which creates sealing problems,as well as the airflow area. Interferences can also appear between themovable member and the holding pins for the connecting flange of theactuator.

The purpose of the invention is to overcome the aforesaid disadvantagesby proposing a fastening device for an actuator with a housing, inparticular for a motor vehicle, the actuator being designed to drive amovable member arranged inside the housing. The device comprisesfastening means for making the actuator integral with the housing.According to the invention, these fastening means include two matingconnecting flanges mounted, respectively, on a connecting surface of theactuator and on a connecting surface of the housing, while theconnecting flanges are capable of being assembled via a male/female-typeconnection on the exterior of said housing.

The fastening device of the invention thus offers a sturdy mechanicalconnection between the housing and the actuator, on the exterior of thehousing, which guarantees a proper seal and does not create any problemof bulk within the interior volume of the housing.

Optional and/or replacement features of the fastening device of theinvention are stated below:

-   -   A support is placed between the actuator and the housing and        comprises a connecting surface on which the connecting flange is        mounted.    -   The connecting flanges are shaped so that the actuator is        connected to the housing, by a translational movement in the        direction of the drive shaft, or to the support, followed by a        rotational movement until a predefined stopping position is        reached.    -   The connecting flanges are shaped so as to cause a translation        movement toward the housing when there is a rotational movement        of the actuator.    -   The connecting flanges have mating helical connecting shapes on        at least a portion of their wall, and the connecting shapes of        the male flange include discontinuous helical grooves.    -   The connection between the flanges is of the bayonet type.    -   The fastening means further include a stop device designed to        block the rotation of the actuator in relation to the housing or        support, in the stop position.    -   The stop device includes a latching tab arranged on the actuator        and a holding mechanism arranged on the connecting surface of        the housing or support, the tab being designed to be fastened to        the holding mechanism by clipping on, when the actuator reaches        its stop position.    -   The holding mechanism comprises a guide element and holding        elements, the guide element being shaped so as to bring the        latching tab substantially opposite the holding element during        the rotating movement of the actuator, and the holding elements        being shaped so as to connect by clipping together with the        latching tab when the actuator reaches its stop position.    -   The latching tab comprises an elastic portion, while the guide        element is shaped so as to exert increasing stress on the        latching tab during the rotating movement of the actuator, the        elastic portion of the latching tab relaxing when the tab        arrives substantially opposite the holding elements.    -   The guide element describes an arc of circle that is off-center        in relation to the axis of rotation of the actuator.    -   The latching tab extends in an overall plane that is        substantially parallel to the connecting surface on which it is        arranged.    -   The latching tab extends in an overall plane that is        substantially perpendicular to the connecting surface on which        it is arranged.    -   The stop device includes a holding stud arranged on the housing        or support, while the actuator is designed to be screwed onto        the holding stud, after assembly of the actuator and housing.    -   The fastening device further comprises a foolproof device so as        to allow electrical connection of the actuator only when its        rotation in relation to the housing is blocked by the stop        device.    -   The fastening device further includes a locator comprising three        sub-locators placed so as to form an arc of circle, the center        of this arc of circle being located by the axis of rotation D of        the flange of the actuator, this arc of circle arrangement        limiting the placement of the actuator to a single position in        relation to the housing or support.    -   The device further comprises at least one first stabilizing        means located between one side of the actuator and a first        sub-locator, this first stabilizing means holding the latching        tab of the actuator pressed against one of the clipping walls        forming the holding means.    -   The first stabilizing means is integral with the actuator or        with the first sub-locator.    -   The device further comprises at least one second stabilizing        means located between the connecting surface of the actuator and        the connecting surface of the housing or support, this second        stabilizing means holding in contact at least two mating helical        connecting shapes.    -   The second stabilizing means is integral with the actuator or        the connecting surface.    -   The fastening means further include two substantially L-shaped        axial holding pins arranged,—respectively, on the connecting        surface of the housing or the support and on the connecting        surface of the actuator, the L-shape of each pin having a first        branch extending substantially perpendicular to the        corresponding connecting surface and a second branch        substantially parallel to the corresponding connecting surface,        while the second branch of the pin of the housing is shaped so        as to press against the second branch of the pin of the        actuator, towards the interior of the housing, when the actuator        reaches its stop position.    -   The connecting flange of the actuator is shaped so as to        obstruct at least one opening in the connecting surface        supporting the mating flange, the opening being arranged on the        interior or exterior periphery of said mating flange.    -   The connecting flange of the actuator includes helical        connecting shapes on both an interior surface and an exterior        surface of said wall or on one of these surfaces of its wall.    -   The movable member has a connecting bearing and the actuator has        a drive shaft, the connecting bearing being shaped so as to be        connected to the drive shaft of the actuator during fastening of        the connecting flanges.    -   The drive shaft of the actuator and the connecting bearing of        the movable member are coaxial in relation to the axis of the        connecting flanges.    -   The drive shaft of the actuator and the connecting bearing of        the movable member are off-center in relation to the axis of the        connecting flanges.    -   The bearing has a notch shaped so that the drive shaft of the        actuator comes to nest radially inside the bearing via the        notch, when the actuator reaches its stop position.    -   The drive shaft of the actuator has a notched shaped so as to        nest radially inside the connecting bearing of the movable        member, via the notch, when the actuator reaches its stop        position.    -   The bearing of the movable member is off-center in relation to        the drive shaft of the actuator, while the drive shaft of the        actuator is connected to the bearing of the movable member via        an indirect drive mechanism.    -   The indirect drive mechanism includes a connecting rod hinged to        the drive shaft of the actuator via a first lever and to the        bearing of the movable member via a second lever, while the        connecting flanges of the actuator and the housing or support        each have a notch on their wall, which is shaped so as to allow        the first lever to pass through the flanges.    -   The lever is shaped so as to obstruct at least one opening made        along the periphery and on the inside of the connecting flange        located on the connecting surface of the housing or support.    -   The actuator has a double-ended drive shaft whose first end is        located on the same side as the connecting flange, and whose        second end is located on the side opposite this connecting        flange, in relation to the body of the actuator.    -   The ends of the drive shaft can be either of the male or female        type.    -   A drive shaft of the actuator drives both at least one indirect        drive mechanism and/or one movable member.

The indirect drive mechanism comprises a connecting means so as toconnect said indirect drive mechanism to the drive shaft of the actuatoror to the connecting bearing of the movable member or to anotherindirect drive mechanism.

-   -   The female connecting flange has at least one local slot on its        wall.    -   The invention further proposes a heating and air conditioning        system comprising an airflow housing in which a damper is        housed, the damper being driven by an actuator. The system        advantageously comprises a fastening device as defined above,        for making the actuator integral with the housing.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponstudying the following detailed description and from the appendeddrawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a housing/actuator assembly equipped withthe fastening device of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the rotational movement imparted on theactuator during the assembly phase;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the actuator showing its connectingsurface;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastening means provided on thehousing;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the housing/actuator assembly ina first assembly step;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the housing/actuator assembly ina final assembly step;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fastening means arranged on thehousing when the drive shaft of the actuator and the drive pin of themovable member are off-center in relation to the axis of the flanges;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the housing-actuator assembly in theembodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fastening means arranged on theactuator, in the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the housing/actuator assembly inan embodiment wherein the drive shaft of the actuator is connected tothe drive pin of the movable member via an indirect drive mechanism;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are respective perspective views of the actuator andfastening means arranged on the housing, in the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a partial diagram of the housing/actuator assembly showing analternative embodiment of the latching tab of the actuator;

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram of the housing/actuator assemblyshowing the use of a screw connection between the actuator and thehousing;

FIG. 14 is a partial diagram of the housing/actuator assembly showingthe use of axial holding pins;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an embodiment of the fastening device of theinvention in which slots are provided on the female flange; and

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an embodiment of the fastening device of theinvention with a foolproof safety device;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a support mounted between the housingand the actuator;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a locator;

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a first stabilizing means;

FIG. 21 shows a holding mechanism;

FIG. 22 shows a second stabilizing means;

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a housing equipped with demolding openings;

FIGS. 25 and 26 show a connecting flange equipped with several helicalconnecting shapes;

FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 show the invention with a female drive shaft;

FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 31 to 40 show an embodiment with an actuator comprising adouble-ended drive shaft.

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic view of a housing/actuator assembly includinga fastening device for making an actuator 2 integral with a housing 4,according to the invention. The assembly 1 includes a housing 4 equippedwith walls that define an interior volume in which a movable member ishoused. The movable member has a spindle designed to be driven by anexternal actuator 2.

Here, and throughout the remainder of the description, the terms“interior,” “exterior” or “external” are used in reference to the wallsof the housing. In particular, the so-called “interior” elements arearranged on the side of the housing wall where the movable member 41 ishoused, while the so-called “external” or “exterior” elements arearranged on the other side of the wall.

The actuator 2 consists of a drive motor equipped with a drive shaft 22,running along an axis D. The drive shaft can engage directly orindirectly with the spindle of the movable member 41.

The assembly 1 of the invention can comprise any type of actuator, e.g.,an electric or pneumatic actuator.

In particular, it is advantageous to use the fastening device of theinvention in a vehicle, and more particularly for a vehicle heating andair conditioning device (HVAC). For example, it is possible to use thefastening device of the invention in order to channel or distribute airinto the passenger compartment of the vehicle. For example, the housing4 can be an air inlet box of the HVAC device, which is connected to anair inlet and to an air outlet. The air outlet delivers an airflow to apulser placed upstream from a heat exchanger, e.g., an evaporator. Themovable element 41 is then an air intake valve that is interposed insidethe housing in order to regulate the airflow rate towards theevaporator. The valve 41 is rotated between various positions enablingthe intake of external air, or of re-circulated and filtered air comingfrom the passenger compartment, or else a mixture of the two. Theactuator 2 regulates the rotation of the air intake valve 41 betweenthese positions. However, the invention is not limited to air intakehousings containing an air intake valve of an HVAC device. It alsoapplies to any damper of the HVAC device that is housed inside an aircirculation housing.

In the remainder of the description, reference will be made, fornon-limiting illustrative purposes, to a movable member 41 of the dampertype for an HVAC device.

The invention proposes external fastening means for making the actuator2 integral with the box 4, guaranteeing both a radial and axial hold ofthe actuator 2 after assembly, as well as the connection between thedrive shaft 22 of the actuator 2 and the spindle of the movable member41.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the fastening means include a connecting flange 20arranged on a connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2 and a′ connectingflange 40 arranged on the connecting surface 48 of the housing 4. Theconnecting flange 40 of the housing 4 extends outward from the housingand has a shape that mates with the connecting flange 20 of theactuator.

The connecting flanges 20 and 40 are shaped so as to be assembledtogether via a male/female-type connection on the exterior of thehousing.

Thus, it is no longer necessary to provide a large-diameterthrough-opening in the wall of the housing. The wall of the housing hasnothing more than a very small-diameter opening to enable the connectionbetween the drive shaft 22 of the actuator and the spindle of themovable member 41. The exterior seal of the housing is ensured by thedamper bearing. Thus, the fastening device of the invention does nothave the sealing problems encountered in the prior art, with respect tothe connection between the housing and the actuator.

Furthermore, since the connection between the actuator 2 and the housing4 is made on the exterior of the housing, the use of the interior volumeof the housing is determined only by the shape of the movable member 41.It is thus possible to incorporate mechanical stops very close to theaxis of the housing, in order to require the damper to stop rotating.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3, which show various steps of theactuator 2 and housing 4 being assembled together.

The connecting flanges 20 and 40 are shaped so that the actuator isconnected to the housing 4 first via a translational movement shown inFIG. 4, in the direction of the drive shaft 22 of the actuator andtowards the interior of the housing (Arrow F), then via a rotationalmovement, until a predefined stop position is reached, as shown in FIG.3.

The translational movement along the arrow F is imparted on the actuatorin order to place the male flange in contact with the female flange.Furthermore, in this initial assembly step, the drive shaft engages withthe bearing 465 of the movable member 41.

During the rotational movement imparted on the actuator, the maleconnecting flange gradually moves into the female connecting flangesuntil the actuator 2 reaches its stop position. The connecting flangesare then nested and locked together axially.

The fastening means thereby cooperate in order to transform therotational movement of the actuator 2 into a translational movementtowards the housing, at the end of which the flanges are engaged. Theconnecting flanges 20, 40 are thus shaped so as to produce atranslational movement towards the housing 4 during the rotationalmovement of the actuator 2. The connection between the flanges 20 and 40is so that they ensure that the actuator 2 is held axially in relationto the housing 4, after assembly.

The invention makes it possible to define a rather small angle ofrotation a for assembling the actuator 2 to the housing 4, which is moreparticularly advantageous in the applications for HVAC devices. As amatter of fact, in the HVAC applications, the air housings generallysupport a rather large number of actuators on the same surface and, as aresult, the free space around a given actuator is rather small.Generally speaking, the invention is more particularly suited toapplications where the connecting surface 48 of the housing iscluttered, e.g., by the use of numerous actuators or reinforcinggrooves. The stop position of the actuator 2 can in particular bedefined so that the actuator substantially describes an angle a of 15°to 16°, as shown in FIG. 1B. In FIG. 1B, the actuator is shown in itsinitial position before rotating (unshaded shape) and in its stopposition after rotating (shaded shape).

The connecting flanges 20 and 40 have mating helical connecting shapes200 and 400 on at least one portion of their external wall. The helicalconnecting shapes of the male flange 20 are, in particular, in the formof discontinuous helical grooves.

The mating helical shapes provided on the male flange 20 and on thefemale flange 40 are shaped so as to come into contact with each otherduring the initial assembly phase of FIG. 4, and so as to guide therotational movement of the actuator 2 in relation to the housing, untilthe stop position is reached. In the stop position, the male flange isnested inside the female flange and held axially therein. The flanges 20and 40 thus guarantee that the actuator 2 is held axially in relation tothe housing 4.

It is particularly advantageous to provide the female portion on thehousing 4 and the male portion on the actuator 2 in order to enable thesurface of the flange 40 to be extracted from the housing by means of apin driven in rotation and translation, which is positioned in thedirection of extraction from the housing, as well as the extraction ofthe flange surface 20 from the actuator, by means of a pin driven inrotation and translation, which is small in size and compact in design.

Thus, the following description will be made, for non-limitingillustrative purposes, with reference to the fastening means comprisinga female flange 40 on the housing 4 and a male flange 20 on theactuator.

In one particular embodiment, the connection between the flange of theactuator 20 and the flange of the housing can be a screw/nut-type ofconnection.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the male flange has amale screw thread consisting of protruding helical shapes on at least aportion of its external wall, while the female flange has a female screwthread mating with that of the male flange, on at least a portion of itsinternal wall.

As indicated above, the screw thread of the male flange 20 can consistof discontinuous helical grooves on at least a portion of its externalwall. Thus, for example, in FIG. 2, the male flange 20 has three helicalgrooves 200 radially distant from one another by approximately 120°.Each helical groove consists of a protruding shape including asubstantially rectangular portion 2000 starting from the base of theflange surmounted by an arm 2002 extending radially from and passingbeyond one side of the rectangular base. The arm 2002 is also slightlyinclined towards the free end of the flange 20. The tilt of the arm 2002of the male flange 20 makes it possible to move the actuator 2 closer tothe housing 4 during the rotating phase of the actuator.

On its internal wall, the female flange has a female screw thread matingwith that of the male flange, shaped so as to enable the male flange tobe inserted into the female flange via a rotational movement of theactuator, at an angle a, and to axially hold the male flange inside thefemale flange, after insertion. The female screw thread in particular isdiscontinuous and arranged on at least a portion of the internal wall ofthe female flange 40.

The fastening of the flanges 20 and 40 via a screw/nut-type connectionis particularly advantageous for the production of housing molds.However, the invention is not limited to this type of connection betweenthe flanges.

As an alternative, the connecting flanges 20, 40 can be shaped so as tobe fastened together via a bayonet-type connection. The external wall ofthe male flange and the internal wall of the female flange then comprisesubstantially parallel connecting shapes ensuring the axial hold of theconnection.

In this alternative embodiment, local slots 410, shown in FIG. 15, canbe provided in the female flange 40 to enable extraction of thefastening shapes with the aid of slides driven in translation. It isthen not necessary to use a rotary/transfer mold.

The remainder of the description will refer, for non-limitingillustrative purposes, to a screw/nut-type of connection.

Once again reference is made to FIG. 1A. During fastening of theconnecting flanges 20 and 40, the male flange 20 is nested inside thefemale flange 40. The respective axes of the flanges 20 and 40 are thencoincident, as shown by the fastening axis D.

The connecting surface 48 of the housing has a bearing 465 connected tothe movable member 41. The drive shaft 22 of the actuator engages withthe bearing 465 of the movable member 41 along a drive link axis D2.

The fastening axis D of the flanges can be coaxial with the drive linkaxis D2, as shown in FIG. 1A. The flange 20 of the actuator then has anaxis that coincides with the axis of the drive shaft 22. The flange 40of the housing 4 has an axis that is coaxial with the axis of thebearing 465 of the movable member 41. The drive shaft 22 is thussurrounded by the flange 20 of the actuator and the bearing 465 issurrounded by the flange 40 of the housing.

The connection between the drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2 and thebearing 465 of the damper 41 thus occurs substantially where theactuator 2 is fastened to the housing 4.

When the movable member 41 has an axis of rotation that is coaxial withthe axis of the bearing 465, the latter is then coaxial with the axis Dof the flanges. In this configuration, the rotational movement impartedon the actuator, shown in FIG. 3, is made about the axis of rotation ofthe movable member 41. An embodiment such as this guarantees a veryprecise adjustment of the drive shaft of the actuator in relation to theaxis of rotation of the damper 41, while at the same time ensuringprecise alignment of the drive shaft 22 in relation to the damper 41.

In the initial assembly phase, shown in FIG. 2, the drive shaft 22 nestsinside the bearing 465 of the damper 41, via cooperating shapes, e.g.,“star” shapes, substantially simultaneously with the nesting together ofthe flanges.

As an alternative, it is possible to locate the drive link axis D2separately and at a distance from the fastening axis D of the flanges.The axis D2 and the axis D are then off-center.

This alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, which show apartial top view of the housing, a perspective view of thehousing/actuator fastening assembly, and a perspective view of theactuator 2, respectively.

More precisely, as shown in FIG. 7, the drive link axis, along the axisD2 between the drive shaft 22 and the bearing 465, is separate from thefastening axis D between the flanges 20 and 40, and off-center inrelation thereto.

Thus, the axis D of the flange 40 of the housing 4 is distant from theaxis D2 of the bearing 465 of the damper, as shown in greater detail inFIG. 6.

In the same way, the axis D of the flange 20 of the actuator 2 isdistant from the drive shaft 22, as shown in FIG. 8.

In this alternative embodiment, the bearing 465, shown in FIG. 6, has ashape designed to receive the drive shaft 22 of the actuator via radialnesting, and not axial as in the embodiment where the axes D and D2 arecoaxial. The connection between the drive shaft 22 and the bearing 465of the damper is made via radial nesting, when the actuator 2 reachesits stop position, at the end of the rotational movement. The bearing465 has a notch 4650, at the front, in relation to the rotatingdirection of the actuator, in order to enable radial nesting. The driveshaft 22 passes into the bearing via this notch 4650, substantially atthe end of the rotational movement, in order to engage with the movablemember 41.

The fastening means of the invention further comprise a stop devicemaking it possible to block the rotation of the actuator after assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this stop device comprises a latching tab 23,arranged on the connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2. In particular,the tab 23 can have an elastic portion. The stop device also comprisesholding elements 462 arranged on the connecting surface 48 of thehousing, in conjunction with the latching tab 23.

As shown in FIG. 5, the latching tab is designed to be clipped onto theholding elements 462 when the actuator 2 reaches its stop position.

The holding elements 462 can consist of two clipping walls 4620 of lowheight, perpendicular to the connecting surface 48 of the housing and tothe overall plane of the latching tab. The clipping walls 4620 arespaced apart from each other so as to hold the latching tab when it isclipped between them.

The shape of the screw thread 200 of the male flange 20, shown in detailin FIG. 2, and in particular the tilt of the arm 2002, is designed tolower the latching tab 23 into its stop, defined by the holding elements462, at the end of the rotating phase.

The latching tab 23, in particular, is folded over, as shown inparticular in FIG. 1A. It can extend in an overall plane perpendicularto the connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2.

The latching tab, for example, is folded over substantially at 18°, soas to define two parallel surfaces, the tab 23 then being fastened tothe actuator on one of its ends, while its other end is free.

As an alternative, as shown in FIG. 12, the latching tab can extend inan overall plane parallel to the connecting surface 28 of the actuator.

The shape and location of the latching tab 23 and holding elements 462are not limited to those described above for non-limiting illustrativepurposes. In particular, the elastic tab 23 can form any angle with theconnecting surface 28 of the actuator. In addition, as an alternative,the latching tab 23 can be arranged on the connecting surface 28 of thehousing while the holding elements are arranged on the connectingsurface 28 of the actuator 2.

Additionally, the stop device comprises a guide element 460 describing acurve designed to guide the latching tab towards the holding elements462, during the rotational movement of the actuator.

When the actuator 2 is initially inserted into the flange 40 of thehousing 2, the latching tab comes into contact with the guide element460. Next, during the rotational movement imparted on the actuator, thelatching tab 23 is guided towards the holding elements 262 in order tobe clipped therein.

In the embodiments wherein the latching tab 23 comprises an elasticportion, the guide element 460 can be shaped so as to exert increasingprestress on the latching tab 23, until the latching tab arrives at theholding elements 462. In this position, the latching tab 23 and theguide element are no longer in contact: the tab 23 then relaxes so as toclip onto the holding elements 462.

The guide element 460 can have the shape of an arc of circle, off-centerin relation to the axis of rotation of the actuator 2, in order to beable to exert prestress on its elastic portion during rotation of theactuator. It can also have a guide groove in order to enable guiding ofthe latching tab. Thus, when the actuator 2 is inserted axially, thelatching tab 23 enters the groove of the guide element 460 without beingforced. During the rotating phase of the actuator, the elastic portionof the tab 23 then undergoes increasing prestress due to the shape ofthe guide element 460. The tab exits the guide groove when it arrives atthe holding elements 462: its elastic portion then relaxes, whichenables it to be clipped onto the holding elements 462.

One of the holding walls 4620 in particular can be formed at one end ofthe guide element 460 with a recessed wall, as shown in the figures.

The stop device thus made then forms a stop that impedes a screwrotation opposite the one used for assembling the actuator 2 onto thehousing 4. This stop device blocks the actuator in rotation, and therebyensures the radial hold of the actuator 4 in relation to the housing 2.

The stop device can further comprise a screw connection at the locationwhere the actuator 2 is screwed onto the housing 4, as shown in FIG. 13.The stop device then comprises a stud 463 arranged on the connectingsurface 48 of the housing. The stud 463 has an axis that issubstantially perpendicular to the connecting surface 48 of the housingand a screw opening 4630. The stud is shown in detail in FIG. 3.

The actuator 2 is screwed onto the stud 463 through the opening 4630. Aconnecting area 24 equipped with a through-opening can be provided onthe actuator in order to be connected to the stud 23. The area 24 andthe stud 23 are screwed together by means of a screw 26, shown in FIG.13.

This screw connection can be used alone or in combination with thelatching tab 23 in order to exercise a radial hold. Used alone, itensures the radial hold of the actuator in relation to the housing. Usedin conjunction with the latching tab, it reinforces the connectionbetween the actuator and the housing, and secures it, or replaces it inthe event of damage.

The fastening means can further comprise mating axial holding pins 25and 45 arranged on the actuator 2 and on the housing 4, respectively.

Each holding pin 25 or 45 is arranged on the corresponding connectingsurface 28 or 48 and is substantially L-shaped. A first branch 250 or450 of the L-shape of each pin 25 or 45 is substantially perpendicularto the corresponding connecting surface 28 or 48 of the actuator 2 orthe housing 4, and the second branch 252 or 452 of the L-shape issubstantially parallel to the corresponding connecting surface 28 or 48

The pin 25 of the actuator 2, in particular, is arranged between theflange 20 and the tab 23.

The holding pins 25 and 45 are arranged so that the second branch 452 ofthe pin 45 of the housing presses against the second branch 252 of thepin 25 of the actuator, in the direction of the housing, when theactuator is in its stop position. The holding pins 25 and 45 hold theactuator in order to prevent it from being positioned at an angle, e.g.,when it is in the stop position. In this way, they make it possible tofurther secure the axial hold.

As described above, the movable member 41 can be driven directly by thedrive shaft 22 of the actuator 2. In this case, the drive shaft 22 ofthe actuator and the axis of rotation of the movable member 41 arecoaxial.

As an alternative, the invention is customized for an indirect drivingof the movable member 41, by means of an appropriate drive linkmechanism. The actuator 2 is then off-center on the housing 4 inrelation to the axis of rotation of the movable member 41.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show an example of the movable member 41 being drivenindirectly via the actuator 2.

In the embodiment shown in these figures, the drive link mechanism 3between the actuator and the movable member consists of a connecting rod30, a first lever 29 on the actuator side and a second lever 32 on themovable member side.

FIG. 9 shows the drive mechanism 3 in its entirety, arranged on theexterior of the housing 4. The first lever 29 is connected to theactuator while the second lever 32 is connected to the bearing 465 ofthe movable member 41, the first lever and the second lever both beingconnected to the connecting rod 30.

In this embodiment, the drive shaft 22 is coaxial with the axis D of theflange 20 while the axis D2 of the bearing 465 is arranged at a distancefrom the axis D. The axis of the bearing coincides with the axis ofrotation of the movable member 41, which, in this case, is a damper.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are respective views of the actuator 2 and of theconnecting surface 48 of the housing 4, in this embodiment. The flanges20 and 40 each have a notch 290 and 490 to enable travel of the firstlever 29. The first lever 29 can be rotatably connected to the shaft 22of the actuator 2 or translatably mounted thereon, e.g., via astar-shaped link. The lever 29 passes through the notch 290 provided inthe wall of the flange 20.

The flange 40 of the housing 4 also has a notch 490 in order to allowthe first lever 29 to pass by, after assembly of the flanges.

In this direct drive embodiment, the drive shaft 22 and the axis of theflanges 20 and 40 can be coaxial or distant from each other.

The invention is not limited to this type of drive link mechanism forindirect driving of the movable member. The drive link mechanism, forexample, can be made by placing two pinions in contact with each othernear the notch in the flanges.

The helical shapes of the flanges are arranged on the unnotched portionof the flange walls. Although this notched shape of the flanges isparticularly suitable in the case of indirect driving of the movablemember 41, it also applies to the direct drive embodiments.

The invention further makes it possible to incorporate a foolproofassembly device making it possible to prohibit the electrical connectionof the actuator if the latter has not reached its stop position, asshown in FIG. 16. This makes it possible to guarantee that the latchingtab 23 is indeed clipped onto the holding elements 462, before pluggingin the electrical plug of the actuator.

The foolproof device is thus arranged so as to allow the electricalconnection of the actuator only when the rotation of the actuator inrelation to the housing is blocked by the stop device. The dotted lineshape represents the actuator in its stop position.

In particular, the foolproof device includes an element 50 positioned sothat the actuator is electrically connected only if the latching tab 23is indeed engaged with the holding elements 462, which guarantees thatthe actuator is in its stop position.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the housing 4 cancomprise a support 6 on its connecting surface 48. The support 6 isplaced between the actuator 2 and the housing 4 and comprises aconnecting surface 68 on which the connecting flange 40 is mounted. Thissupport 6 consists of an intermediate plate including a connectingsurface 68 on which the actuator 2 is mounted. At each of its ends, theconnecting surface 58 comprises an L-shaped peripheral edge 61. In thisway, the support 6 has an overall U-shape. The free end 610 of theperipheral edge 61 is mounted on the connecting surface 48 of thehousing 4. The support 6 includes the connecting flange 40 cooperatingwith the connecting flange 20 of the actuator 2. The connecting flange20 and the connecting flange 40 mate and are capable of being assembledvia a male/female-type connection on the exterior of the housing 4. Thissupport makes it possible to form a cavity 62 between the external faceof the connecting surface 48 of the housing 4 and the side of theconnecting surface 68 of the support 6 opposite the connecting surface48 of the housing 4. Thus, this cavity 62 makes it possible to houselink mechanisms 100, such as a drive link mechanism, connecting theactuator 2 to the movable member 41. Generally speaking, the support 6is an element separate from the housing 4. The connecting surface 68 ofthe support 6 can replace the connecting surface 48 of the housing 4,i.e., all the elements situated on the connecting surface 48 of thehousing 4, as described in FIGS. 1 to 16, can be situated on theconnecting surface 68 of the support 6 when the latter is used. For thisreason, all the elements supported on the connecting surface 48 of thehousing 4 can be supported by the connecting surface 68 of the support6. All of the embodiments described previously and hereinafter caninclude either the connecting surface 48 of the housing 4 or theconnecting surface 68 of the support 6. This support is primarily usedwhen the actuator 2 must control several movable members 41, the latterbeing uncoupled from each other. In other words, the support 6 is usedwhen several movable members 41 follow a kinematic distribution lawcontrolled by a single actuator 2.

According to an alternative of the invention, shown in FIG. 18, thefastening device 1 further includes a locator 500 prohibiting anyirregular insertion of the actuator 2 on the connecting surface 48 ofthe housing 4. The function of this locator 500 is to prevent theactuator 2 from being positioned poorly when the actuator 2 is mountedon the connecting surface 48 of the housing 4, i.e., during thetranslational movement of the actuator towards the housing 4. Thislocator 500 thereby enables the assembler to detect whether the actuatoris correctly positioned, prior to its rotation phase. In other words,the locator 500 is arranged so that there is only a single positioningof the actuator 2 in relation to the housing 4 or support 6. The locator500 includes at least three separate and complementary sub-locators 501,502, 503, a first sub-locator 501 also serving as an end-of-travel stopduring the rotation phase of the actuator 2, a second sub-locator 502and a third sub-locator 503. The three sub-locators 501, 502, 503 arepositioned so as to form an arc of circle, the center of this arc ofcircle being located by the axis of rotation D of the flange 20 of theactuator 2, this arc of circle arrangement limiting the placement of theactuator 2 in relation to the housing 4 or support 6 to a singleposition. More precisely, the first sub-locator 501 is substantiallydiametrically opposite the third sub-locator 503 in relation to the axisD. The second sub-locator 502 is situated so that the locator 500 formsa half-circle with an axis D. The holding element 462 and the guideelement 460 act as the third sub-locator 503. The three sub-locators arecomplementary since the absence of one of these three sub-locators makesit possible to choose between at least two different mounting positions.Each of these sub-locators is mounted on the connecting surface 48 ofthe housing 4 and extends perpendicularly to this connecting surface 48.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the fastening device 1 further includes afirst stabilizing means 7 in the form of an elastic tab. This firststabilizing means 7 is located between a side 21 of the actuator 2 andthe first sub-locator 501 of the locator 500. This first stabilizingmeans 7 makes it possible to hold the latching tab 23 pressed againstone of the clipping walls 4620 forming the holding mechanism, when theactuator 2 is in its final position of use, i.e., its stop position.More precisely, the clipping walls 4620 of the holding element 462,which are spaced apart from each other, each comprise one face 4620 a,4620 b (FIG. 21). These two faces are opposite each other, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The face 4620 a is that of the clipping wall connected tothe guide means 460. The first stabilizing means 7 makes it possible tohold the latching tab 23 pressed against the face 4620 a of the clippingwall 4620 connected to the guide means 460. By reason of its elasticproperties, the first stabilizing means 7 make it possible to preventthe displacement of this actuator 2. This first stabilizing means 7 alsoexerts force against the actuator 2 so that the latching tab 23 pressingagainst the face 4620 a of the clipping wall is subjected to a forceconsisting of a rotational movement opposite that of the assemblyoperation. This first stabilizing means 7 can be integral with theactuator 2 on one side 21 (FIG. 19) or integral with the firstsub-locator 501 (FIG. 20). Finally, the fastening device 1 can include aplurality of first stabilizing means 7.

In FIG. 22, a second stabilizing means 1″ can also be located betweenthe connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2 and the connecting surface48 of the housing 4 In this alternative, the second stabilizing means 7′is shaped so as to hold in contact the opposing walls of the respectivehelical connecting shapes of the actuator 2 and the housing 4. Theopposing walls are the respective portions of the screw threads 200 and400 enabling the actuator 2 to be held axially. The second stabilizingmeans 7′ make it possible to eliminate the axial displacement of theactuator 2 in relation to the housing 4, due to vibrations when theactuator 2 is being used. The elimination of this axial displacement isguaranteed by the elastic properties of the second stabilizing means 7′,which make it possible to absorb the vibrations emitted. The secondstabilizing means 7′ is located between the connecting surface 28 of theactuator 2 and the connecting surface 48 of the housing 4, and can beintegral with the connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2 or with theconnecting surface 48 supporting the connecting flange 40. In the casewhere the second stabilizing means 7′ is integral with the connectingsurface 28 of the actuator 2, the free end 71′ of the second stabilizingmeans 7′ presses against a pin 49 formed on the connecting surface 48 ofthe housing 4, this pin 49 extending perpendicular to the connectingsurface 48. Of course, if the second stabilizing means 7′ is situated onthe connecting surface 48, the pin 49 is located on the connectingsurface 28 of the actuator 2. Furthermore, the second stabilizing means1′ can be used in combination with the first stabilizing means 7. Thefastening device 1 can also include a plurality of second stabilizingmeans 7′.

The description of FIGS. 18 to 40 is based on an embodiment includingthe connecting surface 48 of the housing 4. However, the invention alsoincludes the same embodiments made with the connecting surface 68 of thesupport 6.

In order to make it easier to unmold the housing 4 during manufacture,it is necessary to provide openings 8 made in the connecting surface 48.These openings 8 are located on the periphery of the flange 40 of thehousing 4. Depending on the type of flange 40, i.e., depending onwhether this flange 40 is male (FIG. 23) or female (FIG. 24), theopenings 8 are located either on the external periphery of the maleflange 40, or on the internal periphery of the female flange 40 of thehousing 4. More precisely, these openings 8 are distributed, as the casemay be, on an external or internal annular band surrounding the flange40 of the housing 4. Furthermore, the openings 8 are situated at thebase of the flange 40, i.e., they are made in the connecting surface 48closest to the flange 40. A single opening suffices for demolding thehousing 4. However, a plurality of openings 8 is more advantageous fromthe viewpoint of the ease with which the housing 4 is demolded. Theopenings 8 have the disadvantage of causing air leaks. In order toremedy that, the flange 20 of the actuator 2 is shaped so as to obstructat least one opening 8 in the connecting surface 48 supporting themating flange 40, the opening 8 being made on the periphery, on theinterior or exterior side of said mating flange 40. More precisely, oncethe actuator 2 is fastened onto the housing 4, i.e., when the actuator 2is in its working position, the openings 8 of the connecting surface 48are located between flange 20 and flange 40. Whichever situation isanticipated, i.e., whether flange 40 is male or female, flange 20 isshaped so that the openings 8 are located between the two flanges 20 and40 and are situated opposite the screw threads 200, 400 of theconnecting shapes of the flanges 20, 40. In this way, air leaks areprevented by means of the respective connecting shapes of the flanges20, 40, which function as a sealing joint when they cooperate with eachother in order to fasten the actuator 2 to the housing 4.

In order to reduce production costs, in FIGS. 25 and 26, the flange 20of the actuator 2 is shaped so as to be capable of being used either asa male flange or as a female flange. Thus, a single actuator 2 alone canbe produced for two different situations (male or female flange). Theflange 20 of the actuator 2 thus includes helical connecting shapes 200on the internal face and the external face of its wall. The connectingshape is the same, whether it is on the internal face or on the externalface of the wall of the flange 20, and corresponds to the helicalconnecting shapes 200 described previously. In FIG. 25, the flange 20 ofthe actuator 2 is used as a female flange. In FIG. 26, the flange 20 isused as the male flange.

In FIG. 27, according to another embodiment of the invention shown, theactuator 2 comprises a drive shaft 22 with its free end 220 being of thefemale type, and the movable member 41 comprises a connecting bearing465 with its free end being of the male type, this end cooperating withthe free end 220 of the actuator 2. Several alternatives exist for thisembodiment.

The first alternative corresponds to the case where the drive shaft 22and the connecting bearing 465 are coaxial in relation to the axis D.This first alternative is shown in FIG. 27.

According to one alternative already shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, theconnecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 and the drive shaft 22of the actuator 2 are off-center in relation to the axis of theconnecting flanges 20 and 40. According to this alternative, it ispossible to anticipate two sub-alternatives.

For the first sub-alternative, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, theconnecting bearing 465 and the drive shaft 22 are coaxial in relation tothe axis D2. When the drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2 and theconnecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 are off-center inrelation to the axis D of the flanges and coaxial in relation to theaxis D2, the drive shaft 22 has a notch 2200 shaped so as to nestradially inside the connecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 viathe notch 2200, when the actuator 2 reaches its stop position. Thisnotch 2200 is shaped in the same way as the notch 4650 shown in FIG. 6.

In the second sub-alternative, as shown in FIG. 30, the connectingbearing 465 of the movable member 41 is off-center in relation to thedrive shaft 22 of the actuator 2 so that the drive shaft 22 of theactuator 2 is connected to the connecting bearing 465 of the movablemember 41 via a drive mechanism 3. This drive mechanism 3 corresponds tothe one described in FIG. 9. The drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2 iscoaxial with the connecting flanges 20 and 40. For this reason, theflange 20 of the actuator 2 and the flange 40 of the housing 4 each havea notch 290, 490 on their wall shaped so as to allow the first lever 29to pass through the flanges 20, 40. The lever 29 is preferably shaped soas to obstruct one or more openings 8 made on the periphery and on theinterior side of the connecting flange located on the connecting surface48 of the housing 4. This makes it possible to prevent any air leak dueto the openings 8. It is also possible for the flange 20 of the actuator2 to have a shorter dimension than the flange 40. In this way, the notch290 of the flange 20 is no longer required in order for the first lever29 to pass. By “shorter dimension”, it is understood that the flange 20has a height between the connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2 and theconnecting surface 48 that is shorter than that of the flange 40.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 31 and 34, wherein the actuator 2includes a two-ended drive shaft 22 whose first end 22 a is located onthe same side as the connecting flange 20 and a second end 22 b islocated on the side opposite the connecting flange 20, in relation tothe body of the actuator 2. A double-ended actuator such as this makesit possible to control two separate movable members 41 distant from eachother. The double-ended structure of the actuator 2 includes a firstopening on the connecting surface 28 of the actuator 2, in which a firstend 22 a of the drive shaft 22 is housed. The actuator 2 includes asecond opening located in the face 28′ opposite the connecting surface28, in relation to the body of the actuator 2, in which the second end22 b of the drive shaft 22 is housed. The first opening and the secondopening are coaxial.

Furthermore, each of the ends 22 a, 22 b can be of two different shapes:male or female. Thus, the drive shaft 22 can have two female-type ends(FIG. 31) or two male-type ends (FIG. 32) or one male end and one femaleend (FIGS. 33 and 34). Of course, the end of the connecting bearing 465of the movable member 41 will be of the male or the female type so as tocooperate with the associated end 22 a, 22 b of the drive shaft 22.

When one end 22 a, 22 b is of the male type, the end 22 a, 22 b of thedrive shaft 22 protrudes from the respective face 28, 28′ of theactuator 2. When one end 22 a, 22 b is of the female type, the concernedend of the drive shaft 22 does not protrude from the corresponding face28, 28′ of the actuator 2.

FIGS. 31 to 34 show the various possible configurations of the two ends22 a, 22 b. In these configurations, the drive shaft 22 is coaxial withthe connecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41.

Furthermore, an embodiment is shown in FIG. 35 wherein the two ends 22 aand 22 b are of the female type. When the drive shaft 22 comprises twoends 22 a, 22 b of the female type, it is hollow. The fact that thedrive shaft 22 is hollow makes it possible, for example, for a male-typeconnecting bearing to be inserted via end 22 b and to protrude from end22 a. According to FIG. 35, only end 22 b is used. In this case, themovable member 41, not shown, is distant from the actuator 2 so that itsconnecting bearing 465, not shown, is off-center from the drive shaft 22of the actuator 2. An indirect drive mechanism 9 joins the end 22 b ofthe drive shaft 22 to the connecting bearing 465 of the movable member41. The indirect drive mechanism 9 includes a drive shaft 90 cooperatingwith drive shaft 22. The end 22 b being of the female type, the driveshaft 90 is shaped so as to be of the male type. The male end 900 of thedrive shaft 90 comprises a linking means 10 making it possible to fastenthe indirect drive mechanism 9 to the drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2.This linking means 10 enables an axial hold of the drive shaft 90 of theindirect drive mechanism 9. This linking means 10 can be in the form ofa tongue. For example, the tongue, protruding from the first end 22 a,is clipped on to the end 22 a so as to press against an edge of this end22 a. This tongue comprises two ends, one of which is fastened to ormade in one piece together with the male end 900 of the drive shaft 90of the drive mechanism 9. The other end of the tongue comprises aprotuberance 10 a that presses against the end 22 a of the drive shaft22 of the actuator 2. This protuberance 10 a protrudes from the end 22 aand from the connecting surface 28. This protuberance 10 a enables anaxial hold of the drive shaft 90 in relation to the drive shaft 22 andthereby prevents axial displacement of the indirect drive mechanism 9.This clipping means 10 consisting of a tongue is an inexpensive means ofconnecting the indirect drive mechanism 9 together with the actuator 2.

FIGS. 36 and 37 show the embodiments wherein the two ends 22 a and 22 bare of the male type and are both used, i.e., the drive shaft 22 of theactuator 2 simultaneously drives either two indirect drive mechanisms 3,9, or one indirect drive mechanism 9 and one movable member 41. In thesecases, the indirect drive mechanism 9 comprises a linking means 91 ofthe female type, cooperating with the second end 22 b of the drive shaft22 of the actuator 2 in order to connect the drive shaft 22 to themovable member, not shown, via the indirect drive mechanism 9.

In FIG. 36, the connecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 iscoaxial with the drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2. The female-typebearing cooperates with the first end 22 a. This embodiment makes itpossible to simultaneously control two separate and distant movablemembers with a single actuator.

In FIG. 37, the embodiment shows the case in which the two movablemembers, not shown, simultaneously controlled by the same actuator 2,are distant from each other and are both off-center in relation to theactuator 2. For this reason, at the first end 22 a, an indirect drivemechanism 3 connects the connecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41to the drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2. As in the preceding examples,the flanges 20 and 40 each have a notch for operating this indirectdrive mechanism 3.

In FIGS. 38 and 39, the first end 22 a and the second end 22 b are ofthe female type and both are used, and clipping means 10 of the indirectdrive mechanism 9 protrude from the first end 22 a so as to cooperatewith the other element rotated by the drive shaft 22.

In FIG. 38, the connecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 is ofthe female type so as to cooperate with the drive shaft 90 of theindirect drive mechanism 9. This connecting bearing 465 is coaxial withdrive shaft 90 and drive shaft 22. Furthermore, the fastening of theconnecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 to the actuator 2 isenabled by the portion 901 of the drive shaft 90 of the indirect drivemechanism 9 that protrudes from the connecting surface 28 and thelinking means 10. More precisely, the protruding portion 901 of thedrive shaft 90 of the indirect drive mechanism 9 is the portion of thedrive shaft 90 protruding from the connecting surface 28, and cooperateswith the connecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41. The linkingmeans 10 clip into, a hole 4410 of the internal wall of the connectingbearing 465. In this way, the indirect drive mechanism 9 and the movablemember 41 are held axially in relation to each other.

In FIG. 39, the actuator 2 simultaneously controls two separate movablemembers, not shown, and both are off-center from the drive shaft 22 ofthe actuator 2. The drive shaft 90 of the indirect drive mechanism 9protrudes from the connecting face 28. At its protruding portion 901,this drive shaft 90 comprises the linking means 10. The protrudingportion 901 as well as the linking means 10 cooperate with an indirectdrive mechanism 3. More precisely, the indirect drive mechanism 3comprises a female portion 300 fitting onto the protruding portion 901of the drive shaft 22, and the linking mechanism 10 clips on to thefemale portion 300 of the indirect drive mechanism 3. In this way, theindirect drive mechanism 3 and the indirect drive mechanism 9 areintegral with each other and are held axially in relation to each other.

By “one end 22 a, 22 b is used”, it is understood that an element suchas a connecting bearing of a movable member or an indirect drivemechanism cooperates with the drive shaft 22 of the actuator 2 by meansof this end 22 a, 22 b.

Another form of the linking means 10 of the indirect drive mechanism 9is shown in FIG. 40. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 22 of theactuator 2 has two female-type ends 22 a, 22 b. Thus, the male-typeconnecting bearing 465 of the movable member 41 is inserted into thedrive shaft 22 via the end 22 a. The connecting bearing 465 does notpass through the hollow drive shaft 22 entirely and therefore does notprotrude from the end 22 b. At its end, the indirect drive mechanism 9comprises a member that is inserted into the drive shaft 22 via the end22 b. This element 920 is hollow and shaped so as to be capable ofhousing a screw 1000 inside of its cylindrical wall. This screw 1000makes it possible to firmly fasten the member 920 of the indirect drivemechanism 9 together with the connecting bearing 465 of the movablemember 41.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Inparticular, it encompasses any type of drive link between the actuatorand the movable member. Thus, in place of a drive shaft 22 extendingfrom the connecting surface 28 of the actuator, the actuator canalternatively comprise a spindle whose wall is perforated in order toreceive the rotating shaft of the movable member 41, in the case of adirect drive, or the lever 29, in the case of an indirect drive.

In the fastening device of the invention, the fastening means areprovided on the exterior of the housing, and do not involve athrough-opening. Furthermore, the seal is ensured by the bearing 465 ofthe movable member 41. Consequently, contrary to the embodiments of theprior art, the fastening device of the invention does not have anyproblems relating to sealing, or to the overall dimensions of theinterior volume of the housing.

The means of fastening the actuator to the housing also guarantee aneffective axial and radial hold without giving rise to complicatedmolding constraints. They therefore offer a high degree of mechanicalstrength.

Furthermore, as the axis of the damper is in direct contact with thebearing 465, it is possible to integrate, with the housing mechanicalend-of-travel stops for the damper, as well as to guide the damper veryclose to the axis of the damper 41.

Additionally, the housing-actuator assembly of the invention enableseasy molding of the fastening means on the housing 4 and on the actuator2. It is no longer necessary to use stripping dies.

The fastening device of the invention also permits the drive linkmechanism, e.g., a lever, to be fastened to the exterior of the housing,in the case of indirect driving of the movable member 41.

The rotational movement used for assembling the actuator 2 to thehousing 4 can be of low amplitude, which is particularly useful whenseveral actuators are installed on the housing. This also leads to thepossibility of installing two actuators on the housing in closeproximity to each other.

In this way, therefore, the invention offers flexibility in theinstallation of actuators on the housing, which is particularly usefulin motor vehicles.

In the applications related to a heating and air conditioning device,the invention further makes it possible to use several actuatorsfastened onto the same housing by means of the fastening device of theinvention In these applications, it can be particularly advantageous toarrange the actuators on the housing so that they all have the samedirection of rotation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fastening device for an actuator (1) with a housing (4), in particular for a motor vehicle, the actuator (2) being designed to drive a movable member (41) arranged inside the housing (4), the device comprising fastening means for coupling the actuator with the housing, a support (6) is placed between the actuator (2) and the housing (4), the fastening means include two mating connecting flanges (20, 40) mounted, respectively, on a connecting surface (28) of the actuator and on a connecting surface (68) of the support (6), and in that the connecting flanges (20,40) are configured to be assembled via a male/female-type connection on the exterior of the housing, wherein the support (6) is U-shaped such that a cavity (62) is formed between an external face (48) of the housing (4) and the support (6) which houses at least one link mechanism (100) that is completely disposed between the external face of the housing (4) and the support (6).
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connecting flanges (20, 40) are shaped so that the actuator is connected to the to the support (6) by a translational movement, in the direction of a drive shaft, towards the interior of the housing, followed by a rotational movement, until a predefined stop position is reached.
 3. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the connecting flanges (20, 40) are shaped so as to produce a translational movement towards the housing (4) during the rotational movement of the actuator (2).
 4. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connecting flanges (20, 40) have mating helical connecting shapes on at least a portion of a wall, and in that the male connecting flange shapes (20) comprise discontinuous helical grooves (200).
 5. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the movable member (410) has a connecting bearing (465) and the actuator has a drive shaft (22), the connecting bearing being shaped so as to be connected to the drive shaft of the actuator during the fastening of the connecting flanges (20, 40).
 6. The device of claim 5, characterized in that the drive shaft (220) of the actuator (2) and the connecting bearing (465) of the movable member (41) are coaxial in relation to the axis of the connecting flanges (20, 40).
 7. A fastening device for an actuator (1) with a housing (4), in particular for a motor vehicle, the actuator (2) being designed to drive a movable member (41) arranged inside the housing (4), the device comprising fastening means for making the actuator integral with the housing, characterized in that the fastening means include two mating connecting flanges (20, 40) mounted on a connecting surface (28) of the actuator and coupled to en-a connecting surface (48) of the housing, and in that the connecting flanges are configured to be assembled via a male/female-type connection on an exterior of the housing wherein the device further comprises a support (6) which is U-shaped such that a cavity (62) is formed between an external face (48) of the housing (4) and the support (6) which houses at least one link mechanism (100) that is completely disposed between the external face of the housing (4) and the support (6).
 8. The device of claim 7, further including a locator (500) comprising three sub-locators (501, 502, 503) placed so as to form an arc of circle, the center of this arc of circle being located by an axis of rotation D of the flange (20) of the actuator (2), this arc of circle arrangement limiting the placement of the actuator (2) to a single position in relation to the housing (4) or the support (6).
 9. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the connecting flange (20) of the actuator (2) includes helical connecting shapes (200) on both an interior surface and an exterior surface of a wall of the connecting flange or on one of the interior surface or exterior surfaces of the wall of the connecting flange.
 10. The device of claim 7, characterized in that the connecting flange (20) of the actuator (2) includes helical connecting shapes (200) on both an interior surface and an exterior surface of a wall of the connecting flange or on one of the interior surface or exterior surface of the wall of the connecting flange. 